Category Archives: Party Planning

{Garden, Home and Party} Exciting news…an engagement

20 Tuesday Sep 2011

Posted by in Designer, Entertaining, Family, Flowers, Party Planning, Personal Information, Traditions, Trends

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Friends and readers (one in the same) will know that hubby and I have 2 sons…one is happily married and living with his lovely wife, and my very first granddaughter, in Austin.  Son #2 just proposed and she said “yes”!  We’re thrilled for many reasons, not the least of which is we love this girl and believe she and Son #2 are a good match.  Reason number 2, at least for me, is we get to be a part of planning a wedding!  Weddings encompass all manner of great things where HOME is concerned and can cross over into GARDEN and certainly PARTY.

via 100 Layer Cake

As I was typing those very words one of my favorite quotes from one of my all-time favorite movies came to mind.  Father of the Bride, 1991, staring Steve Martin and Diane Keaton, when George Banks (Steve Martin’s character) says,

“I used to think a wedding was a simple affair. Boy and girl meet, they fall in love, he buys a ring, she buys a dress, they say I do. I was wrong. That’s getting married. A wedding is an entirely different proposition.

  I know. I’ve just been through one. Not my own, my daughter’s. Annie Banks Mackenzie. That’s her married name: Mackenzie. You fathers will understand. You have a little girl. An adorable little girl who looks up to you and adores you in a way you could never have imagined. I remember how her little hand used to fit inside mine. Then comes the day when she wants to get her ears pierced, and wants you to drop her off a block before the movie theater. From that moment on you’re in a constant panic. You worry about her meeting the wrong kind of guy, the kind of guy who only wants one thing, and you know exactly what that one thing is, because it’s the same thing you wanted when you were their age. Then, you stop worrying about her meeting the wrong guy, and you worry about her meeting the right guy. That’s the greatest fear of all, because, then you lose her. It was just six months ago that that happened here. Just six months ago, that the storm broke.”

There are so many options for planning and inspiration, from the ring to the reception, the world wide web now hosts blog sites that feature amazing ideas for every tiny detail of the big event.  As I perused sites that came recommended, my head began swimming.  I was overwhelmed with beautiful images of every imaginable event and all the trimmings that are tied to a wedding, no matter how small and simple.

Snippet & Ink is such a fun blog site where any upcoming bride, or groom for that matter, can find real wedding photos as well as Inspiration Boards created by Snippet & Ink’s author, Kathryn.

 

In fact, when Son #1 got married bride-to-be choose a seaside location and desired a “family only” wedding.  At first I was slightly disappointed because I had hoped to share the day with close friends but in the end, this tiny 11 person wedding was so beautiful and intimate I was happy our DIL had wished for it.  We later hosted a reception for dear friends and enjoyed celebrating the marriage a couple of months later.

My point, although you may be wondering at this point if I have one, is that the wedding of Son #1 and now DIL, took nearly as much planning as a larger version would have.  You still plan for invitations, flowers, food, table settings, music, photographer and all the icing that goes on wedding cakes and receptions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Above images: (left) Style me Pretty; (right) 100 Layer Cake

So, we’re off to begin what I believe will be a bonding experience for me with my future DIL #2.  I’ll keep you posted.  We are hosting an engagement party at our home and shopping invitations has begun.

via tiny prints (sample)

via Style me Pretty

 

 

{Party}A Napa wedding #2

22 Friday Jul 2011

Posted by in Entertaining, Flowers, Food, Party Planning

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We attended a beautiful wedding in Napa last September HERE and were lucky enough to be invited to another.  Who doesn’t love a wedding, especially in the wine country of California?  Warning, there are no pictures of the wedding/reception in this post.  I just couldn’t bring myself to take my camera to such a formal affair.   Once there, I realized it would have been perfectly fine since lots of folks had their cameras.

The mother of the groom did send me this image…the bride had arranged for her and her groom to sit on this loveseat during the dinner/toasts.  How romantic is this?!

Instead, I’ll share with you our road trip to Napa and some of the highlights of the incredible weekend.  First off, those who live in California probably know that the wine country can be pretty hot in July.  We lucked out…I’m convinced Mother Nature knew to comply with the lovely bride’s day!  It was a pleasant 72 degrees and never warmed more than 75 degrees during the entire weekend.

First stop…Bakesale Betty’s

We live in Southern California and the road trip, while not for everyone, happens to be fun for Hubby and me.  We love to stop in North Oakland (Temescal District, adjacent to Berkeley) to grab a favorite fried chicken sandwich from Bakesale Betty’s.  This quirky bakery only sells this sandwich and an array of baked goods that could add 10 pounds to anyone in a very short time.

The only sign for Bakesale Betty is the had written sign taped to the glass door.

This is even more delicious than it looks.  I think I could duplicate the slaw but the chicken is a challenge.

Alison Barakat, an Aussie, cooked at Chez Panisse Café for 3 years before meeting her husband and opening the bakery.  There is always a line for lunch and Alison has set up tables (ironing boards) around the entrance to the walk-in bakery for dining.

Next stop…4th Street, Berkeley

This is a wonderful diner and I have never been there when there wasn’t a wait…so worth it.  Oh, and just so you know, there is no ocean view!

We then hit 4th Street in Berkeley for a quick stroll up one side of the fabulous shopping/dining area and back down the other.

Mulholland Brothers have been making quality leather bags for years…I liked all of them but especially the 2 bags below…

On to Napa…

The rehearsal dinner was held at Silverado Vineyard.  I felt as though I was standing on the patio of a pensione in Italy.

The food, ambiance and wine (of course) were delicious and we enjoyed the evening.

On Saturday we decided to visit one of my favorite Napa Valley towns, St. Helena.  We started by enjoying an all-American breakfast at Gillwood’s Cafe.  We then walked the main street.  One of my favorite stores is Vintage Home.   I wish there was a location closer to Orange County.

Love the Hermes lamp, even if orange wouldn’t work in my home.

The wedding began at 3:00 PM at a historic Catholic church in St. Helena.  The church was dressed in beautiful white peonies and trees at the entrance, planted in zinc planter boxes, added beauty to the venue.  (Kate and William started something having trees at Westminster Abby, a really effective addition).  Bride, groom, groomsmen and bridesmaids all performed perfectly.

We were shuttled to the estate of Beaulieu Vineyard, the private home of the Beaulieu family heirs, where all of us were wowed by the formal gardens, European arbors, fountains and mature trees and vines.  I really wish I had taken my camera!  Anyway, the wedding was beyond lovely and fun.

Along this walk were places to take pictures to be put in a book for the bride and groom, there were stations offering appetizers and drinks.  By the way, the beverage offered as we disembarked the shuttle was a St. Germaine.  Elderberry liquor, vodka, club soda and a splash of grapefruit juice, refreshing and delicious.

This area was set up with long, black, wooden tables which bordered the perimeter of this garden.  On each of the tables, down the center, were glass/crystal footed pieces that floral arrangements were sitting on that consisted of white peonies, white hydrangea and white dahlias.


I’m afraid these Googled pictures don’t do the site justice but it was truly beautiful and I’ve since found several photographers that have photographed weddings at Beaulieu.  If you are planning a wedding this is a magical venue.


The following morning we were invited to Yountville Inn for breakfast.  Yountville Inn was recently remodeled and I think it is my new favorite place!  See for yourself.

This is the courtyard off the main lobby…so inviting.

The grounds of the Yountville Inn are filled with white, flowering plants…lots of hydrangea.

Love this fountain/sculpture.


All in all it was a magical weekend.  Truly memorable.  Thank you Jim and Glenys for including us.

Have you attended a wedding that will forever remain in your memory?

 

{Home}Have a fun-filled 4th of July

01 Friday Jul 2011

Posted by in Collections & Accessories, Decorating, Entertaining, Family, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Outdoor living, Party Planning, Traditions

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With the upcoming 3-day holiday {I hope you all have at least 3 days off} I wanted to wish all of you wheel barrel’s full of fun and good eats!  Here are a few images to inspire you if you haven’t decorated for the holiday yet…or just feel like perusing some patriotic rooms.

Image via Content in a Cottage

I have always considered Independence Day the “kick-off” day of summer.  I used to work at Disneyland and the 4th was always crowded at the park and since Disneyland had a nightly fireworks display, that rivals most, the crowds were out in mass.

 

These cupcakes could be a box mix with a simple frosting, adding the berries make them look so festive and delicious!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image via Martha Stewart

This is wallpaper but doesn’t it look cool?

 

photo by Christopher Baker

 

photo by Christopher Baker

 

photo by Victoria Pearson

 

photo by Christopher Baker

 

photo by Tria Giovan

 

photo by Tria Giovan

 


God bless America!  We are truly fortunate to live in this country, despite it’s challenges.

 

Enjoy the holiday with your family and friends!

Birthday Dinner ~ 2011

18 Wednesday May 2011

Posted by in Entertaining, Flowers, Food, Party Planning, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

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As I’ve mentioned before, we’re part of a 5-couple “birthday” group.  Four couples (we are close friends with) started a dinner group where we celebrate birthdays honoring each of us (usually 2 at a time) throughout the year.  I have posted about it HERE and HERE.

This year it is my turn to celebrate the birthday of our baker extraordinaire of the group, Joyce.

I decorated my concrete puti (that stands guard at the front door) with live ivy and star jasmine.

I began thinking about the table setting back in January and found a Ralph Lauren tablecloth at T.J. Maxx to help me set the color and theme.

Because I’ve been loving lanterns I picked up the white lanterns and decided to use them along with some spring flowers.

My mom gave me the depression glass plates (she had found them at a garage sale) and I’ve used them for salad and dessert.  The dinner plates are Pottery Barn’s catering plates, perfectly plain and white.

The menu will include a favorite Pistachio Crusted Chicken, fresh asparagus and roasted potatoes.  The dinner is a little rich but I’ll pass out Alka Seltzer after dinner and all will be fine!

I will post the recipe for the chicken later.

Happy Birthday, Joyce!  May 2011 be the best year ever.

Easter and other thoughts of spring

11 Monday Apr 2011

Posted by in Entertaining, Flowers, Holiday/Seasonal cooking, Party Planning

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Spring fever has temporarily stymied the creative juices in me but I did come across some very pretty centerpiece ideas over at Martha’s (Martha Stewart dot com).

 

 

Image (above) via Small Stump + Studio

Image (above) via Martha Stewart

Images (above and below) via Martha Stewart

The wonderful thing about this time of year is that you can find flowers for a song (well, maybe not a song but truly affordable) and with the help of some warm weather and a sunny day, you can set a festive table and serve almost any meal and you, family and/or guests will be happy.

♥

It’s pretty universal; the advent of spring gives everyone’s spirits a boost.  I try to capitalize on that feeling and the energy rush it provides, and clean, plan, and entertain.

Where decorating is concerned there are some rooms that seem like the very definition of spring…like these rooms recently featured in House Beautiful.  Designed by Doug Davis of Tracery Interiors, this Alabama home speaks “spring”…in part because of the pink accents.  I am not usually a huge fan of pink in décor for the home, but the subtle splashes in this instance have me hooked.

Images below via House Beautiful

I think this is home feels light and airy (very spring-like), in spite of the hints of formal living.  It’s got to be the pink touches. To read more about this house, including the interview Mimi Read conducted with Paige Schnell and Doug Davis click HERE

What are your thoughts this spring?  Have you come down with a case of Spring Fever?

 

 

Entertaining…by the numbers

16 Wednesday Feb 2011

Posted by in Entertaining, Misc, Party Planning

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While I love a dinner party as much as the next person I find I prefer smaller, more intimate gatherings over having 12, or more, guests; especially when I’m hosting the event.  I realize some of this is due to the fact that we (hubby and I) don’t have a cook to prepare, let alone a butler to serve, the meal (as in Downtown Abbey).

Downtown Abbey – Highclere Castle we’re not.

My favorite dinner party is hosting 2 other couples.  There is something about a total of 6 that seems to work very well where conversation is concerned.  I think it allows for a single conversation at the table since it is a smaller venue.

We entertain pretty informally; it’s all about the table settings and flowers for me.  I still love a couple of our groups of friends that bring the number up to 8 and 10 respectively but somehow when we host 12 it becomes less satisfying for me.  I think it’s because while cooking and serving I have less time to get around to visiting with everyone…sometimes that’s okay and sometimes I feel cheated out of a good visit with a friend.

That said here are some dining rooms I’d like to entertain in.

Ina Garten’s barn offers such warmth and style, while being so inviting.  I’d love to have this kitchen/dining area in my house.

We have chairs on the ends of our dining room table, but I do love the way this looks with chairs on each side.

Isn’t this the most cheery room.  Love the exposed beams and the lighting.

Gray…{sign}

Any room with a lantern light wins my vote.

I think these wicker chairs are great.

I wonder if a round table would require a larger number of guests so that you didn’t feel like you were talking across a great expanse of table?

I like the idea of having a table for 2 in the library.

Who wouldn’t enjoy entertaining with a fireplace in the dining room?

This is pretty, not sure about the color of blue, but I like the essence of the room.

Another great dining space in a library.

What is your preference when you invite friends over for a meal, formal or informal?





Deck the halls with boughs of holly…

20 Monday Dec 2010

Posted by in Entertaining, Party Planning, Traditions

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…fa-la-la-la-la-la-la-la-la ♪

Each year for the past 10 years one of my friends, Joyce, in our Birthday Group (to read more about that visit HERE or HERE) hosts a caroling party for the 5 couples {Joyce & Russ, Carla & Tom, Linda & John, Wendy & Thomas and Hubby and me}.

Joyce makes her home a Christmas wonderland with no detail left untouched by the magic of elves, angels, reindeer and Santa.  Her table settings are coffee table book worthy and along with all of her beautiful holiday decorations comes a warm welcome and a jolly time had by all!

Wreath

Joyce used to teach elementary school and she is a wonderful pianist (as is my friend Carla, who is also in this group).  We start the evening with wonderful appetizers, dinner and dessert and then the ladies do an ornament exchange.

Christmas floral centerpiece

Following this cavalcade of fun we drag the men in from the family room where they have been discussing everything from football to politics and truth be known, would probably rather just let the ladies sing, and make them participate.  We are not about to let them miss the fun!

Our host, Russ, is our very own Santa for the evening!

...fa, la, la, la, la, la, la, la, la!

I hope you are enjoying the activities of the season.

Favorite Christmas cookies, 3 recipes

29 Monday Nov 2010

Posted by in Dessert, Food, Party Planning

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Years ago, when our boys were very young, two of my dear friends and I would meet at one of our homes in mid-December and bake cookies.  Gretchen and Linda are sisters (Linda was my Maid of Honor at my wedding) and the three of us have known each other since our days as Disneyland employees (just before automobiles were invented).

Those years of cookie baking have created some of my fondest holiday memories and the recipes we used are still some of my favorites.  I thought I’d share them with you all (all 5 of you!).

Molasses Sugar Cookies

These cookies turn out every time and make a great gift.

Molasses Sugar Cookies

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup melted shortening
  • 1 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup molasses
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F

In a medium bowl, blend the shortening, sugar, molasses and egg. Add the

baking soda, flour, clove, and ginger, cinnamon and salt; mix well.

Form into 1 inch balls and roll in granulated sugar.

Place on cookie sheets 2 inches apart and bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Cool on a rack.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

This cookie is just the right amount of chocolate and a little powdered sugar.

Chocolate Crinkle Cookies

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Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup shortening
  • 1 2/3 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 eggs
  • ½ powdered cocoa
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • powdered sugar

Directions

Preheat oven to 350°

In a medium bowl, blend the shortening, sugar and vanilla; beat in eggs and cocoa.

Sift together flour, baking powder and salt and add to sugar mixture alternately with milk.

Chill dough for 3 hours; form 1” balls, roll in powdered sugar.  Place on greased cookies sheet and bake for 15 minutes.

Makes 2 dozen

Mexican wedding cake cookies

This may be my personal favorite of the 3 recipes.

Russian Rock Cookies

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter, softened
  • 1/3 cup sugar
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 cup chopped pecans

Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F

In a medium bowl, cream butter and sugar; add 2 teaspoons water and vanilla.  Mix well.

Blend in flour and nuts.

Chill 4 hours.

Shape into balls and bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 325° about 20 minutes.  Remove and roll in confectioners sugar while cookies are still warm.

I’d love to hear about your favorite holiday cookie!  Happy baking.  By the way, these freeze if need be.  Sometimes we have to plan ahead.

Thanksgiving planning and menu 2010

24 Wednesday Nov 2010

Posted by in Dessert, Entertaining, Food, Party Planning

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Cayley and I met the other night and went over our menu ideas for Thanksgiving Day.  As I mentioned in an earlier post, we’ve cooked together on this holiday in years past with great success.  Cayley has saved the menu that I usually print on fall paper each year so we used the 2009 menu as a guide.

I like the fresh produce mixed with flowers for a fall table---bountiful!

We will both prepare an appetizer—to be determined.  Additionally, Cayley will buy some mixed nuts for munching.  I lean towards an appetizer that isn’t too filing for obvious reasons.

I appreciate the mix of silver and pewter and the black furniture piece make the vignette pop.

We’ll salt the turkey per the Los Angeles Times Food feature of November 19, 2008.  This, for scientific reasons I don’t fully understand, works better than brining, see recipe HERE.  We tried the method in 2009 and the bird was moist and delicious.  I’ll be responsible for make-ahead Creamy Mashed Potatoes and I’ll use Pioneer Woman’s recipe HERE.  I’ll also prepare Maple-Roasted Sweet Potatoes (recipe HERE).  We’ll buy Costco’s pre-made gravy—don’t judge, it just keeps stress out of the kitchen on a food/recipe intensive day!  I’ll also prepare a recipe for Gulliver’s Cream Corn (I promise to post this recipe before Christmas because it’s a favorite and pretty easy).

I'm loving the white with natural accents, its great that pumpkins come in so many colors!

{the above picture via Slim Paley’s recent post, “Forget the Turkey, What about the Table?” HERE}

Dessert will consist of pecan pie (thanks to Cayley) and *pumpkin pie and Dreamy Apple Pie, recipe HERE with Hard Sauce from Pioneer Woman HERE.

Another great example of a fall table setting sans orange.

{the above image via French Kissed.  There are lots of ideas for setting a beautiful Thanksgiving table  in her post, “Imperfect Perfection”

*I use the Libby pumpkin pie recipe off the can—family traditions die hard.  I found the recipe at All Recipes.com HERE.

Pumpkin soup, anyone?

Cayley is preparing (in addition to her appetizer) the turkey, stuffing, green salad, green beans, cranberries and pecan pie…oh, AND all the other work and shopping involved in having a dinner for 10-12 guests!  I’m sure she will share the recipes with me and I’ll post links as I find them.

This post is making me hungry.

Have a Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude and lots and lots of good food and football!

Busy turkey-day planning…easy recipe

12 Friday Nov 2010

Posted by in Food, Party Planning, Simple Meals for the Avid Cook

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Summer in Southern California was unusually cool this year and we’re now in our typical fall mode…days of rain have been followed by a Santa Ana condition (dry, windy, warm).

This image sums up the season nicely.

{Image via Censational Girl}

Pioneer Woman has been busy in her kitchen for some time now perfecting recipes for Thanksgiving dinner.  When I read that I thought, Thanksgiving is ages away—then I realized that there is only about 2 weeks until the great turkey (or whatever you enjoy for that special day of thanks) feast!

Image via Martha Stewart

Tasks that are currently on my list in anticipation of Thanksgiving:

Doesn't this look delicious, presentation is important. We eat with our eyes first.

{Image via Country Living}

Start searching food sites and magazines for new possibilities for the feast.  As I mentioned last week, we are going to our good friend’s house and we will share the planning and cooking duty.

I love the natural decorations that represent the fall season so well.

Image via the talented Jermaine, host of French Kissed.  She has beautiful ideas for every season!

So, in light of the planning, racing around and probably even looking towards the gift-buying time of year I thought I’d leave you with this super easy, very delicious recipe from Trader Joe’s.

Easy and yummy. Perfect for the hectic days of holiday racing around.

Trader Joe’s Tortilla Soup

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Ingredients

  • 1 12-ounce jar fire roasted chili salsa
  • 1 pint heavy cream (or for less calories, half and half) I’ve not tried this with low fat milk.
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • ½ package frozen corn
  • 1 32-ounce chicken broth
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Cheddar cheese, grated (for top)
  • Tortilla chips, crushed (for top)

Preparation Instructions

Sauté onion in butter until soft; add zucchini to cook al dente.  Add salsa, chicken broth, and frozen corn and allow to heat through.  Stir in cream and serve topped with grated cheese and tortilla chips.

Serves 4-6